Isle of Wight War Hero’s Medal Set Smashes Auction Expectations
A jaw-dropping collection of medals belonging to Brigadier-General Cecil Faber Aspinall-Oglander has sold for a stunning £30,000 at a Salisbury auction.
Gallipoli’s Trusted Aide- Deemed a Military Legend
Aspinall-Oglander, who lived at Nunwell Estate, Brading, from 1927 until his death in 1959, was one of Sir Ian Hamilton’s most trusted aides during the brutal Gallipoli campaign in WWI. He was mentioned in despatches over a dozen times—a testament to his bravery and leadership.
The medal haul included top honours:
- The Most Honourable Order of the Bath
- The Most Distinguished Order of St Michael and St George
- The Distinguished Service Order
- The Delhi Durbar Medal 1911
- The French Legion of Honour
- The Siamese Order of the White Elephant
Military Grit & Famous Orders
Aspinall was a no-nonsense leader. During Gallipoli, he ordered a severely wounded soldier to stay put. When the soldier caught up anyway, Aspinall snapped, “I ordered you not to come.” The defiant reply? “I can still pull a trigger, sir.”
After retiring on the Isle of Wight, Aspinall tackled the daunting task of writing the official history of the Gallipoli campaign — a feat others had failed to complete. When WWII broke out, he took charge of the 20th (East Wight) Battalion of the Hampshire Home Guard.
Medal Set Far Exceeded Price Predictions
The full medal group went under the hammer at Woolley and Wallis Salisbury Saleroom on May 1st. Expected to fetch between £6,500 and £7,500, the lot smashed estimates with a hammer price of £24,000, plus a £6,000 buyer’s premium — a grand total of £30,000.
